THE THIRD STEP
CIC is BACK! The third edition of CIC Magazine marks a significant evolution from its past editions by deepening its focus on inspirational figures and innovative initiatives within the SJA community. As a tradition, CIC magazine aims to not only promote SJA Jeju but also to foster school spirit and highlight the three missions: Character, Inquiry, and Community. These three values form the foundation of the SJA community, striving for personal growth, academic excellence, and a strong sense of belonging among students. In the Character section of this magazine, we spotlight individuals from the student body who exemplify core values that inspire others within the community.
Through Inquiry, we promote a culture of curiosity and critical thinking, inspiring students to explore new ideas and challenge themselves. Lastly, the focus on our Community fosters collaboration and support, uniting students together for a stronger bond. Together, these three missions create an environment where every member of our community can thrive and contribute positively to the school and beyond.
JaeEun (Jane) Jung
HEAD LEADER’S MESSAGE
H
ello, this is Jung Woo Park, the Co-Leader of CIC Communication and the Head Editor of the third volume of CIC Magazine. CIC Communication proudly stands as the official marketing team of SJA Jeju High School, guided by SJA Jeju’s core values of Character, Inquiry, and Community. Our mission is to demonstrate and promote the distinct culture and spirit we have at SJA Jeju, thereby enhancing SJA Jeju’s brand presence.
At CIC Communication, we are committed to a diverse range of initiatives aimed at spotlighting our school’s vibrant community. Our projects include publishing the annual CIC Magazine, designing calendars, supporting SJA Jeju’s event switch strategic marketing efforts, producing branded merchandise, and managing social media accounts to highlight SJA Jeju’s exceptional qualities. This edition mainly comprises three sections: Character, Inquiry, and Community. The Character section celebrates the remarkable individuals within our school, who possess distinctive traits and contribute their talents to improve the SJA Jeju community. The Inquiry segment provides insights into student-involved clubs that explore specific realms of interest, fostering a culture of curiosity and learning. Lastly, the Community section dives into the organizations’ programs that are uniquely subjected to SJA Jeju, offering students extraordinary opportunities to engage with and enrich our community.
Every story, club, and program featured in this magazine deserves high appreciation, as they nurture the positive environment of SJA Jeju. This publication could not have been realized without the dedication of our talented magazine team, co-leaders, and the invaluable support from the Art and Public Relations Departments. We hope you find inspiration and pride in the pages of our magazine.
Jungwoo Park
COMPASSION RESPECT
CHARACTER
"Our lives are built on the choices we make. Every choice is a turning point through our actions. Those actions define
RESPONSIBILITY INTEGRITY
CHARACTER
that creates the mosaic of our lives every day. We represent ourselves the quality of who we are; this is character.”
- by Mr. Corey Johnson Head of School
“Process over result.”
- Sungwon Chong
Teamwork
Art Sports Humor Leadership
Q1 What is the one word that represents your character?
Leadership.
Q2 How do activities at SJA Jeju help in developing your character?
I’ve had the opportunity to take on leadership roles in various activities including the House Council, and sports such as baseball and volleyball. My character gradually developed through leading numerous students and teammates in those communities. Being a leader can also result in some loneliness as the role comes with massive responsibilities, but I find it incredibly meaningful. I believe that overcoming challenges, effectively guiding team members, and fostering unity were all crucial steps that made me develop my character at SJA Jeju.
I try hard to secure a spot as a regular player or captain without being fearful of failure. I want to tell my fellow athletes to keep pushing forward; your efforts will shine someday, just like a beautiful flower blooms late. Remember: “Process over result”.
Q5 As a student who attended SJA Jeju since its beginning, how did your character change?
I was simply an insecure child. While trying to fit in with others, I couldn’t do what I truly loved. However, after coming to SJA Jeju and shedding sweat and tears with my friends, I became a mature adult. Confidence naturally grew within me through working hard in sports and studying with many friends.
Volleyball
Q3 What does sports mean to you?
Sports have been a life lesson to me, and that is what shaped me into who I am today. I experienced many failures and successes while playing sports with different teammates and opponents. All of those good and bad moments become memories that I can look back and reminisce about. Without sports, I am not sure how I would look like today.
Q4 What have you learned as an athlete?
I believe that anyone who puts effort into sports can become a good athlete, even if not talented or fully skilled.
Basketball Baseball
“Creativity takes courage.”
- MyeongJin Kim
Q1 What is the one word that represents your character?
Creativity.
Q2 What is ‘character’ in your own definition?
Character encompasses a person’s values, beliefs, integrity, honesty, courage, and behavior, which collectively define their personality and guide their actions and decisions.
Q3 How do activities at SJA Jeju help in developing your character?
Undoubtedly, the most significant growth in my character has been in my development as an artist. Since Grade 9, I have learned
various techniques and materials in art classes every year. From Grade 11, my participation in AP art classes enabled me to create multiple works focused on a single theme, deepening my exploration of chosen topics and experimentation with different materials. This expansion in the mediums I use has helped me in the journey of finding my identity. Recently, my focus has shifted towards abstract art, which represents my current character built upon what I’ve learned in school.
Q4 What does art mean to you?
Art is my instrument to amplify voices, provoke thought, and contribute to a collective consciousness that fosters positive societal change. I aim to explore how various artistic elements—colors, forms, and mediums—can evoke emotions, shape perceptions, and trigger cognitive responses. Through this exploration, I aspire to harness the unique language of art to communicate poignant messages that resonate with diverse audiences. The goal is to create visual narratives beyond aesthetics, fostering a deep understanding of social issues and compelling viewers toward meaningful action.
Q3 How would you like to express your character? Or how would you like to contribute and change the world with your character?
I aim to challenge stereotypes and encourage viewers to think about their own biases, hoping to foster more inclusive conversations. Additionally, I highlight the lack of concern for sustainability in a world facing severe environmental issues. Through my art, I want to provoke thought about the impact of neglecting sustainable practices and inspire action against this indifference.
My goal is to use art to change perspectives and promote a more empathetic and environmentally conscious world.
Q6 As a student who attended SJA Jeju since its beginning, how did your character change?
At SJA Jeju, my participation in diverse group activities significantly shaped my school experience. The first school activity that I participated was volleyball, where playing games and practicing with the team not only provided a sense of belonging but also cultivated my cooperative skills. After entering high school, I got involved in more activities such as an environmental club, newspaper club, sports council, school promotion club, and the NAHS. Through these experiences, I was able to learn how to cooperate and develop leadership skills. Compared to when I first came to this school, I improved on expressing opinions, accepting the opinions of others, and becoming a diligent member or leader. Over time, I have come to believe more strongly in the power of collaboration rather than relying solely on my own abilities. I now prioritize fostering a constructive and inclusive environment with a diverse group of individuals.
“Never settle for average.”
- DongYoon Lee Creativity
Sports Humor Leadership
Q1 What is the one word that represents your character?
Confidence.
Q2 What is ‘character’ in your own definition?
‘Character’ in my own definition is a reflection of our mindsets and actions. However, I believe that the word ‘character’ can be interpreted in various ways; everyone has their own unique and special character.
Q3 How do activities at SJA Jeju help in developing your character?
The activities at SJA Jeju are largely student-driven. In addition to my primary commitment to Model United Nations (MUN),
I have undertaken various leadership roles that have significantly shaped my character. For instance, I assumed a leadership position in The Hilltoppers Times (Newspaper Club), where I collaborated with other students to publish a monthly newspaper. I am a leader in the EPS program to organize help opportunities for high schoolers to work with younger students. I am also a member of the Student Ambassador and different honor societies, where I have organized events such as welcoming new students and tutoring students. Holistically, these invaluable experiences taught me how to organize and lead teams, connect with others, consider multiple perspectives and approaches to the issue, and express gratitude to others around me. These experiences will undoubtedly contribute to my personal growth and prepare me well for future endeavors.
Q4 What does MUN mean to you?
As represented by its name, MUN is a place where students get to learn about global affairs and efforts to resolve international issues. M.U.N.
More importantly, I believe that MUN is a place where students can meet new people and build relationships. As for myself, I was able to build lots of close and precious relationships that I still occasionally meet or contact. I can confidently say that beginning MUN in early middle school was the best choice I made.
Q5 What made you initiate your MUN journey?
I started my MUN journey in 7th grade, initially drawn to it because I admired how professional the seniors looked in their formal suits. At my first conference, I wanted to become one of the executives who leads a conference and helps beginners to grow. To achieve this goal, I participated in different conferences that were held by reputable Korean Universities as both chairs and delegates. Armed with a broader understanding from these experiences, I sought to create professional environments where students could reap similar benefits. This ambition led me to found the MUN conference at SJA Jeju, which involved nearly 200 people. With new learnings, I along with organizing committees are planning the second iteration of SJAMUN the next October.
Q6 As a student who attended SJA Jeju since its beginning, how did your character change?
Attending SJA Jeju since its founding has ignited my passion for learning. I now actively push myself to grasp new concepts and feel a thrill whenever I make internal connections in my learning. I also became a person who can feel grateful for others and give back to my community.
INQUIRY
“Inquiry is learning that emphasizes a person’s critical role experience and then using those experiences
OF KNOWLEDGE
INQUIRY
INNOVATION
in constructing meaning from new information and prior to solve real-world problems.
- by Mr. Corey Johnson Head of School
Astronomy Club
Q1 How and why did you start the Astronomy Club?
I started the Astronomy Club during the first season of my freshman year, and I think it was one of the wisest and the dumbest choices I made in high school. The strongest motivation for starting this club was that there were no astronomy-related societies or organizations in our school and the entire GEC community, so I made one. With a couple of friends on my side, I felt more confident than ever when creating the syllabus for the Club. I still remember the first session being a tragedy, and most students did not show up afterward. Over three years, it has taught me many skills, such as leadership, research, and collaboration with other students in our club.
As a group, we developed research topics and improved the quality of our discussion year by year.
Q2 What is your club’s vision?
Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant and collaborative community of inquisitive minds dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. Beyond the conventional education curricula in SJA Jeju, we aspire to ignite a passion for astronomical exploration among our members. Through engaging research projects, digital and thought experiments, and insightful discussions, we aim to deepen our understanding of the universe and contribute meaningfully to astronomy.
Moreover, through collective dedication and exploration, we aim to share our discoveries with a broader community.
Q3 How does your club activity help in building leadership skills?
Organizing an astronomy club that offers hands-on activities like virtual experiments, stargazing sessions with parallax measurements, and discussions around complex topics like dark matter evidence can enhance leadership skills. Taking on roles like event planning, facilitating group activities, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge with peers are integral to this development. Moreover, leading an astronomy club cultivates important skills such as public speaking, project management, and delegation while inspiring passion for science in fellow students.
Q4 In which ways does your club relate to the learning of inquiry?
The club promotes inquiry learning in several ways. Conducting virtual experiments and making observations during stargazing sessions allows students to actively explore questions, gather data, and draw evidence-based conclusions— embodying the spirit of scientific inquiry. Additionally, discussing complex topics like dark matter evidence requires us to critically analyze different sources of information and existing theories, which lie at the heart of the inquiry process.
Q5 What is your club’s ultimate goal?
Our astronomy club’s ultimate goal is to ignite a profound sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos within each member. We strive to foster an environment where questioning, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of our understanding is not only encouraged but celebrated. Through hands-on activities, thought-provoking discussions, and a collaborative spirit, we aim to inspire the next generation of astronomers, scientists, and critical thinkers who will continue unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
YoungRae Kim (Astronomy Club Leader)
JH Production
Q1 Why did you decide to make JH Film Production club?
As a person with a deep passion for filmmaking, I’m eager to invite others to join in this creative pursuit. Filmmaking isn’t just an individual endeavor; the more people involved, the higher the quality of the end result. I thrive on communication, welcoming feedback, and listening to the thoughts of others. While there are numerous film courses available that offer valuable opportunities, the constraints of time often make it difficult for me to fully realize the films I envision and wish to share. That’s why, with JH Film Production, I aim to create something truly unique, a platform where I can express myself authentically and showcase my vision.
Q2 What is your club’s vision?
Some students think that JH stands for “Jihwan,” but that’s definitely not true. JH stands for “Joining Hands.” Our primary focus is on harnessing our collective talents by coming together as filmmakers and using our skills to convey meaningful messages through film. Through collaborative efforts and participating in film festivals and competitions, we aim to communicate with others and foster a strong film community. Additionally, leveraging any prizes or awards we receive, we aspire to give back to SJA Jeju through donations or other meaningful initiatives.
JH Production Club Members
Q3 What did the club do? And what are the club’s future projects?
The messages I want to deliver as Chillax News supervisor are these two: you should always get enough laughter and silliness in your life, and the most meaningful endeavors are not those that can be done quickly and easily. It is the activities that require strenuous effort, days and weeks and months and even years of arduous work, that will give a true sense of accomplishment, and will make you feel like you have done something worthwhile.
Q4 In which ways does your club relate to the learning of inquiry?
In our journey through film studies, we’ve found that the deeper we delve into the medium, the more unexpected insights and questions arise. Our film team has ventured into numerous genres: from feature documentaries to 10-minute short films, from short experimental pieces to short-form videos, and beyond. Each venture presents its own challenges, as none of us possess extensive experience in every genre. You might suggest, “Why not just focus on one genre?” However, each filmmaker’s interests and curiosities are unique, and we’re driven to explore every facet of filmmaking. This diversity is emblematic of JH Film
Production. Despite our challenges, we consistently overcome them by joining hands and giving our best efforts.
Q5 What is the hardest part of operating this club? And what motivates you to continue the club despite challenges?
Initially, the members of JH Film Production lacked prior experience working together, and none of us possessed background knowledge of filmmaking. Since none of us had undergone formal film training, I took on the responsibility of imparting what I had learned from my film foundation studies. I provided instruction in various aspects of filmmaking, including roles, fundamental filming principles like the 180-degree cinematography rule, and equipment setup such as cameras, boom mics, and lighting. Admittedly, it was challenging. However, what motivated me to persevere despite the obstacles was the unwavering passion of my fellow classmates. At times, it seemed their enthusiasm for the project exceeded my own. Their dedication was palpable on set; they were always eager to reshoot scenes until they felt satisfied, which both inspired gratitude and compelled me to give my best effort.
Jihwan (JH Film Leader)
ALTRUISM
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
COMMUNITY
"Working together as one team with a shared vision of the future and supporting
LOCAL/NATIONAL/GLOBAL AWARENESS
COMMUNITY
each other for the betterment of everyone. This is what community means."
- by Mr. Corey Johnson Head of School
House Council
Q1 What motivated you all to nominate yourselves as a member of the House Council?
The most fascinating aspect of being part of the House Council was that this year was the first iteration of the House Council. When we were nominating ourselves for the House Council election, we were not sure about the prospects of the group. However, we had thoughts about being pioneers who first initiated and established the House Council and House system as part of SJA Jeju’s community. Moreover, we thought SJA Jeju high schoolers lacked spirit, so we believed that contributing to the House System by becoming a House Prefect would allow us to build a community for SJA Jeju high school students.
Q2 What is the ultimate goal of the House Council?
The ultimate goal of the House Council is to foster a sense of community, belonging, and engagement among students by promoting team spirit, encouraging active participation, and making new relationships in their own houses. Our House Council has aimed to enhance the high school experience by organizing events and competitions that balance academic and extracurricular activities, fostering both competition and collaboration between houses. Additionally, the House Council supports personal and social development by providing a moment of unification.
Q3 Tell us about contributions that the House Council made to the school community.
The House Council has made numerous contributions to the school community, especially providing extraordinary experiences. We have organized and led various events such as house spirit days, assembly games, and door decorations contests. Students and faculty members experienced and obtained school spirit and camaraderie throughout the competitions. By arranging various activities and community projects, we instill a sense of social responsibility and encourage students to join community-building activities.
Q4 How did the House Council collaborate with other people/groups in the school?
Throughout the year, the House Council has worked with the Student Council on various initiatives and projects to amplify the school community.
We jointly planned and executed school-wide events such as spirit week and house spirit day, ensuring diverse representation and participation. During weekly meetings, we discuss ideas, coordinate schedules, and align goals with the sole goal of unifying students within the house and school.
Q5 Last words for the future members of the House Council?
House council is still on a base level; this was the first year of the house community and the house council. However, we truly believe that this community will be a new place for students to make new relationships, and enjoy their high school life. Therefore, we hope the house head and house prefects for next year further enhance the house system and make it a strong school culture.
“Let the community be perpetuated and remembered.”
- House Council
National Art Honor Society
Q1 What is the purpose or mission of the National Art Honor Society?
The NAHS supports and recognizes students who have shown outstanding abilities in art. It also provides invaluable benefits to the students, faculty, school, and community, including peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college preparation, and recognition of the school’s art program.
Q2 How does the National Art Honor Society contribute to the artistic culture and community in our school?
The NAHS has been called upon for help in every place where art is needed. Volunteer activities bridging elementary and high schools have been carried out prominently each year. We participated as the artist’s assistants in elementary classes, helped create props and decorate stages for school Musical performances, and face-painted for Musical performers. The Head of School also
requested NAHS to draw murals on the wall of the Performing Arts Center, where various artistic activities occur within the school.
Q3 What specific achievements have the National Art Honor Society made?
We have conducted campus-wide service activities such as helping elementary Musical Props, face painting elementary Musical actors, organizing the SJA Jeju ArtsFest, and painting murals around campus (High School, Athletic Center, and the PAC).
Q4 How does membership in the National Art Honors Society benefit students?
Our members can experience becoming better individuals and creating a better community.
By participating in various art activities, they can further grow as artists and develop leadership skills through executive activities. Moreover, they can improve the community by volunteering for school events or leaving murals around the campus. These experiences help members grow into more well-rounded individuals, and serve as a dedication to community services necessary in their college life.
“Life
is Art.”
- NAHS
Q5 Last words for the future members of the National Art Honors Society?
Don’t be afraid to express your creativity; always strive to create a better community.
Marketing Directors: JungWoo Park, SooBin Jang, YuRi Go
Magazine Department: MyeongJin Kim, HaLim Shin, JaeEun Jung, SolHee Jung
Art Department: ChaeWon Lee, YeonWoo Lee, HyunJi Lim, DaHyeon Ha, DoGyeong Han, JiHwan Choi, GaEul Yoon
Management Department: JaeHun Oh, WonJun Son, SeungHyun Lee, JungWoo Choi, GoEun Choi
If you are interested in CIC Communications, please contact: cicsjaj@gmail.com (High School Marketing Club) or @cicofficial_comm .
Special Thanks to:
Procurement Department: Ms. Keira Spiller
High School Principal: Dr. Gregg Shoultz
Head of School: Mr. Corey Johnson
Former Heads of CIC Club: ChanHee Jung, SoYoung Choi, JiYu Lee